Aphasia Access Conversations

During this episode, Dr. Katie Strong, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Central Michigan University talks with Robyn O’Halloran about broadening the role of the SLP in acute care assessment. Robyn O’Halloran is a Senior Lecturer in the Discipline of Speech Pathology at La Trobe University. She worked as an SLP in community and hospital settings before undertaking a M.Phil and PhD with Professor Linda Worrall on the role of SLP in the acute hospital setting. Robyn is the lead author of the Inpatient Functional Communication Interview: Screening, Assessment and Intervention, which will be published by Plural in November this year. In this episode you will: learn the importance of supporting your patients participate in their health care while they are in the hospital and how that might impact their overall health outcomes. be challenged to imagine how your role as an SLP in acute care can broaden by addressing the barriers to communication in the hospital e

In this episode, Janet Patterson speaks with Janice Dittelman, Technology Coach at the Adler Aphasia Center in New Jersey. Listening to this episode, you will: Hear how incorporating technology, in particular, mobile technology, can expand the experiences and connectedness of persons with aphasia, their family members, and individuals in the community, Learn tips on managing expectations for incorporating mobile technology into an aphasia group and encouraging group members to use mobile technology beyond the aphasia group activity, Learn what aphasia and fantasy football have in common.  Download the Full Show Notes

Jerry Hoepner, a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, speaks with Ronelle Hewetson about the social intervention framework and parallels to the LPAA framework for individuals with right hemisphere damage.  Ronelle addresses the gap in knowledge about a social intervention framework so evident in clinical contexts. Dr. Hewetson has examined social participation following right hemisphere stroke and has great insights into the application of the LPAA framework among persons with right hemisphere damage.  In today’s episode you will: Learn about the impact of right hemisphere damage on social communication, including returning to work roles and returning to relationships. Learn about the role of speech-language pathologists in addressing the social consequences of right hemisphere damage after right hemisphere damage. Learn about how proxy input gives a better idea of the social consequences after right hemisphere damage, given reduced awareness of change and the underestimation of

Deborah Hersh, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in Speech Pathology at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia. She is a Fellow of Speech Pathology Australia and Deputy Chair of the Australian Aphasia Association. Deborah is interested in how people with aphasia experience rehabilitation and how SLPs can make their recovery journey more person-centered, inclusive and successful. During this episode, Dr. Katie Strong, Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Central Michigan University talks with Dr. Hersh about Meeting in the Middle: Augmenting Person-Centeredness in Acute and Sub-Acute Post-stroke Aphasia. Material from today’s episode was first presented at the 2018 ASHA Convention in Boston, MA. In today’s episode you will: Hear the analogy of ‘therapy in transit’ as applied to acute and subacute aphasia care and how LPAA applies to participation in hospital settings Learn how therapeutic assessment differs from traditional assessment Expand your co

Jerry Hoepner, a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, speaks with Ian Kneebone about our roles in addressing mental health concerns among individuals with aphasia. Ian Kneebone is head of discipline within the discipline of Clinical Psychology in the Graduate School of Health at the University of Technology – Sydney. Professor Kneebone has made many contributions to clinical psychology and care of older people, specifically with those who experience depression and anxiety after stroke and other neurogenic diseases, including aphasia. In recent years, part of his work has included collaborations with several speech-language pathology researchers in addressing psychosocial consequences and interventions for persons with aphasia In today’s episode you will: Learn about common mental health concerns among individuals with aphasia. Learn about the role of speech-language pathologists and other professionals in the stepped model of care. Learn about Ian Kneebone’s past and current colla

In this episode, Dr. Katie Strong (Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders at Central Michigan University) is talking with Dr. Sarah Wallace and Dr. Elena Donoso Brown about their work on participation gaps in research and clinical environments. Sarah E. Wallace PhD, CCC-SLP is an Associate Professor and Program Director for the Adult Language and Cognition clinic in the Speech-Language Pathology Department at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Wallace also directs the Communication and Cognition Lab. She is a Tavistock Trust for Aphasia Distinguished Scholar in the United States.  Elena Donoso Brown PhD, OTR/L is an Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Department at Duquesne University. Dr. Donoso Brown’s previous clinical experience was in-patient rehabilitation for persons after traumatic brain injury and stroke. At Duquesne University, she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in evaluation, qualitative research methods and

Janet Patterson, Chief of the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Service at VA Northern California, speaks with Ken Bado about the power of a passionate and dedicated executive board for a community aphasia group. Ken Bado is Chairman of the Executive Board of Voices of Hope for Aphasia in St. Petersburg, Florida. Ken, who is based in Dallas Texas, has been transforming IT companies for the last 30 years. In addition to being CEO of GMB Consulting LLC, he sits on boards of high growth software companies and various non-profits, including Voices of Hope for Aphasia. In today's episode you will learn: How having clearly stated mission and intent statements contribute to successful operation and stewardship of a community aphasia group About the most important qualifications that members of an executive board should demonstrate The value of applying solid business practices to aphasia group operations and activities to assure decisions align with the mission of the group. Download the Full Show No

Dr. Katie Strong (Assistant Professor at Central Michigan University Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders) presents another segment on “A-ha!” Moments in Aphasia Care as she speaks with Dr. Maria Muñoz about providing culturally responsive aphasia care. Maria L. Muñoz, Ph.D, CCC-SLP is a Professor at the University of Redlands. She received her doctorate from the University of Texas as a participant in the Multicultural Leadership Training Program and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in aphasia at the University of Arizona. She conducts research, teaches, and publishes in the areas of treatment outcomes and aphasia, and the manifestation of aphasia in Spanish/English bilinguals. In this episode you will: Hear a story that provided an aha moment in making treatment culturally relevant. Learn about how cultural adaptation applies to LPAA philosophy and challenges clinicians to see a different world view. Discover some ‘lessons learned’ on facilitating a bilingual aphasia support gro

Jerry Hoepner, a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, speaks with Melissa Capo about PEP Talks and project-based interventions.  Melissa Capo is the developer of PEPtalks and clinical supervisor at the College of St. Rose. Melissa was fortunate to be a long-time colleague of Dr. Mark Ylvisaker, a profound influence on so much of the work we do with adults and adolescents with acquired neurogenic disorders like traumatic brain injury and aphasia. While not explicitly linked to the LPAA approach, his tenets of authentic, person-centered interventions where everyday partners and persons with aphasia or TBI are viewed as collaborators and experts is central to an LPAA approach. Building upon her collaborations with Mark, Melissa has been an innovative advocate for project-based interventions, publishing sentinel work in that area with Drs. Feeney and Ylvisaker in 2007.     In today’s episode you will:   Learn about applications of project-based interventions for persons with apha

Today, Katie Strong (Assistant Professor at Central Michigan University) speaks with Mary Ray-Allen about the Bama Perks Coffee Shop at the University of Alabama Speech and Hearing Center. Mary Ray-Allen is the Clinical Director at The University of Alabama Speech and Hearing Center. She is the project director for Bama Perks, a simulated coffee shop that is housed within The UA Speech and Hearing Center that offers a unique social environment for individuals with aphasia to practice and enhance their communication skills. Bama Perks was featured in the March '17 ASHA Leader. She is a member of Alabama Clinical Educators (ACE) and is a nationally certified Speech Language Pathologist and member of ASHA.    In this episode you will: Learn how a cup of coffee can lead to confidence in communicating for people with aphasia Learn about how Bama Perks program facilitates the opportunity to socialize in a café style environment Learn a few tips about how to develop this type of program in your work env

Ellen Bernstein-Ellis, director of the Aphasia Treatment Program (ATP) at California State University, East Bay, speaks with Melinda Corwin about ways to engage aphasia group members in planning a special event. Melinda Corwin is a professor and clinical supervisor at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. She directs the Stroke And Aphasia Recovery Program (STAR) and is a member of Aphasia Access and its Board of Directors. In this episode you will: Learn about five different areas for involving group members as partners in event planning Hear about three kinds of awards that may enrich your event program Consider the dual benefits of member-guided celebrations: Building ownership in a fun event for people with aphasia and their guests and promoting aphasia awareness to the broader community Download the Full Show Notes Special Thanks to these Aphasia Access Members and organizations for underwriting this episode: - Ruth Fink - Nina Si

David Greenberg, the president and CEO of the League for People with Disabilities in Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Greenberg has an MBA, a BSc, and extensive experience in healthcare and working with people with disabilities. In this episode you will: Learn more about the League and its partnerships with SCALE and Aphasia Access. Gain a better understanding of the types of programs and classes available to individuals with disabilities. Find advice on the best ways to create a partnership with organizations similar to the League.  Download the Full Show Notes Special Thanks to these Aphasia Access Members and organizations for underwriting this episode:- Brooks Aphasia Center (Jacksonville, Florida) - Nina Simmons-Mackie - Ruth Fink - Karen Tucker

Dr. Brooke Hallowell is Dean of Health Sciences and Rehabilitation studies at Springfield College and internationally known for her work in interdisciplinary engagement, service learning, university community partnerships and transnational collaboration in research and service. Professor Hallowell is also the international coordinator for the Aging Disability and Access to Care Project. In today's episode you will: Learn about the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia in underserved countries such as Malaysia, Philippines, India, and China  Be exposed to the ways different cultures and traditions view Aphasia as a challenge that is not faced but instead accepted Understand how other cultural perspectives affect patients' access to care Download the Full Show Notes Special Thanks to these Aphasia Access Members and organizations for underwriting this episode:- SCALE at The League for People with Disabilities, Baltimore, Maryland- Wendy Greenspan - Katarina Haley - Denise McCall

Katie Strong interviews Dr. Katarina Haley about Life Interests and Values Cards. Dr. Katarina Haley is an Associate Professor of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Department of Allied Health Sciences at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Haley has over 30 years of experience working with neurologic communication disorders and has invested much time and effort into the development of Life Interests and Values (LIV) Cards, which are part of the larger LIV project.    In today's episode you will:  Learn more about LIV Cards and their impact on patient care Hear about how LIV Cards provide patients with autonomy  Discover the role LIV Cards can play in an LPAA model Download the Full Show Notes Special Thanks to these Aphasia Access Members and organizations for underwriting this episode:- SCALE at The League for People with Disabilities, Baltimore, Maryland- Ruth Fink

Ellen Bernstein-Ellis (California State University, East Bay) speaks with Melinda Corwin about aphasia choirs. Melinda Corwin is a professor and clinical supervisor at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. Her research and clinical interests include adult neurogenic communication disorders. She directs the Stroke And Aphasia Recovery Program (STAR) and is an affiliate of Aphasia Access. In today’s episode you will: Compare and contrast two models for aphasia choirs--one embedded within a summer arts program and one embedded within an academic year day program. Learn about the value in providing IwA the opportunity to transition from music listeners to active music makers. Gain insight into the challenges and some potential options for capturing outcomes for choir participation Discover some tips for selecting music and the challenges of integrating new members into an ongoing choir Download the Full Show Notes

Katie Strong (Assistant Professor at Central Michigan University) presents an episode of  “A-ha!” Moments in Aphasia Care as she speaks with Linda Worrall about relationship-centered care, psychosocial health, and implementation science in aphasia. Professor Linda Worrall is a Professor of Speech Pathology, Co-Director of the Communication Disability Centre and Postgraduate Coordinator at The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. She completed her undergraduate degree in speech pathology at The University of Queensland but then completed her Ph.D. in the Stroke Research Unit in Nottingham, UK. She has practiced as a speech pathologist both in Australia and the UK and founded the Australian Aphasia Association in 2000. She has published over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles, 26 book chapters, and 6 books; graduated 27 Ph.D. candidates and has had continuous nationally competitive research funding during her academic career. From 2009-2014, she led the NHMRC funded Australia-wide Centre for Clini

In this episode, Janet Patterson (Chief of the Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Service at the VA Northern California Health Care System) speaks with Dominique Herrington, Director of the Aphasia Group of Middle Tennessee, which is housed in the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Pi Beta Phi Rehabilitation Institute at Vanderbilt University in Nashville Tennessee. They dive deep into the Aphasia Group of Middle Tennessee with the hopes that it can both inform and inspire others. Dominique received her Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Montevallo and is a certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. She is a Senior Clinical Education Associate for Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, serving as the Assistant Manager of Pi Beta Phi Rehabilitation Institute as well as the Program Coordinator for the Aphasia Group and Aphasia Program of Middle Tennessee. In today’s episode you will: He

In an episode focused on “Insights and ‘Aha Moments’ about Aphasia Care”. Dr. Katie Strong (Central Michigan University) speaks with Aphasia Access President Ruth Fink about her career and the vision and initiatives of Aphasia Access.  Ruth Fink, MA, CCC-SLP is a co-founder and retired Clinical Director of MossRehab Aphasia Center, and Scientist Emeritus of Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute. A founding member of Aphasia Access, she currently serves as Board President. After 20 years as a clinical SLP, she joined the Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute as a Research Associate where she served as Co-PI and Project Director on treatment research in the areas of sentence processing, word retrieval, and computer-assisted applications in aphasia rehabilitation. In today’s episode you will: Hear Ruth share about how her career followed the course that a client might follow and about how magic happens in aphasia groups Learn three tips for how to transition from a clinician to a clinician researcher He

Janet Patterson (V.A. Northern California Health Care System) speaks with Denise McCall, the Program Director of SCALE at The League for People with Disabilities in Baltimore, Maryland, about their unique organizational structure. Denise McCall co-founded SCALE back in 2008 and, in 2014, it merged with The League and has turned into a specialty program there as part of their medical day program. Denise has over 30 years of experience as a clinician and a researcher. She has served persons with aphasia across the continuum of care and has contributed to international research and grant programs to improve aphasia care. Denise is a certified speech language pathologist and is one of the founders of Aphasia Access - currently serving as an active member on its Development Committee. She received a B.S. in Communication Disorders and in Psychology from Towson University and earned a master's degree from George Washington University. In today's episode, you will: Learn about SCALE’s history and the unique manner

Dr. Jerry Hoepner (University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire) speaks with Dr. Tom Sather about the concept of flow and how it can be applied to the LPAA framework for people with aphasia.  Tom Sather is an Assistant Professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire. He continues to work clinically as a speech language pathologist with adults and families of those with neurogenic, cognitive, communication, and swallowing difficulties in the critical care, acute care, and outpatient settings at the Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He earned his Ph.D. at Western Michigan University's Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Ph.D. program studying the concept of flow and aphasia.  In today’s episode, you will: Find out what flow is Learn how flow applies to people living with aphasia Learn about the interaction between environment and flow experience Hear about the experience sampling method and its applications to the study of aphasia